re: 17 Years Ago the Columbine Massacre happened

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I know this is an Eminem reference, but did "they" actually suggest this?

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The earliest reports about the Columbine High School shooting linked Manson to the tragedy after students reported that Klebold and Harris were fans of Manson, though that was later proven to be false.[1] Many also pointed out that the boys were dressed in trenchcoats, which they believed to be similar to Manson's typical attire. Some early headlines read, "Killers Worshiped Rock Freak Manson" and "Devil-Worshiping Maniac Told Kids To Kill."[2]

Those taking a stance against Manson claimed that his rock group was perhaps the sickest group ever promoted by a mainstream record company.[3] Michael Moore stated in his documentary, Bowling for Columbine, that after the attack, it seemed that the entire focus was that the two killers were motivated to commit this act because they listened to Marilyn Manson.[3]

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Two years after Columbine, Manson was expected to perform in Denver, Colorado at the Ozzfest at Mile High Stadium. As a result, protesters gathered to prevent Manson from performing.[5] One speaker said that Marilyn Manson's music promoted what he called Columbine-like behavior, such as hate, violence, death, suicide, and drug use.[3] The protesters were largely made up of the Citizens for Peace and Respect, an organization that consisted of locals, churches, and Columbine families.[5]

The blame that was placed on Marilyn Manson quickly circulated. The controversy was cited in news outlets around the world

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In an interview, Manson said that being blamed for Columbine nearly ruined his career.[8] He claimed that he had to pursue legal action against those who were so avidly associating his name with the Columbine shooting.[7] He says that he has been blamed for more deaths than any musical artist in history.[1]

Shortly after the Columbine incident, Manson released a new video for "The Fight Song" off his album Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death). Many assumed that it referenced the Columbine massacre by depicting a clash between jocks and goths. Manson denied that there was a connection.[9]

In a 2012 interview, Manson revealed that his album Born Villain, which would be released that year, was named partially due to his blame for the Columbine shooting. He said that the title is perfect because he became vilified by society.[1]

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